Table construction

ABSTRACT

A table construction having a plurality of curved legs that are joined together by a clip element intermediate to the ends thereof. The clip element as joined to the leg requires no fasteners or screws and an upper frame is secured to the uppermost portions of the leg members and cooperates with the clip element to lock the legs in place.

I United States Patent [151 3,643,608 DeCesaris 1 Feb. 22, 1972 [54] TABLE CONSTRUCTION '7 1,951,499 3/1934 Brown ..l08/ 154 [72] Inventor: F 12 ri ckDeC i Providence R". 3,032,380 5/1962 Danclart et al. ..l08/ 154 [73] Assignee: Guild Metal Products, Inc., Providence, Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell RJ. Attorney-Salter & Michaelson [22] Filed: May 11, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 36,005 [57] ABSTRACT A table construction having a plurality of curved legs that are [52] U.S.Cl ..l08/l57, 248/431 joined together by a clip element intermediate to the ends l A47|J 3/06 thereof. The clip element as joined to the leg requires no of Search fasteners o crews and an upper frame is ecured to the up- 248/1634, 1887' 431 permost portions of the leg members and cooperates with the clip element to lock the legs in place. [56] References Cited 4 t .m fl..v 3"1., ..vt

UNITED STATES PATENTS 2 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures PATENTEDFB22 I972 3.643.608

SHEET 1 OF 3 In van tar; Frederick De Ce.s'a r65. WM 1 MM Att ys.

PAIENTEDFEB22 I972 SHEET 2 OF 3 Inventor, fleesaris Mw Atgys.

zzavu PATENTEBFEB22 m2 SHEET 3 OF 3 A tt ys.

TABLE CONSTRUCTION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a small metal table construction of the type that is usable as a snack table, as a table for planters, or as a magazine table or the like.

Prior to the instant invention, small metal table constructions were necessarily joined together by fasteners such as rivets or screw elements that extended through the metallic parts of the table legs. Although these prior known constructions were suitable for the purpose intended, if other than straight legs were required they were expensive to fabricate because of the labor required in the assembly of the leg members and particularly in the securement of the fastening elements to the leg members.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a metallic table construction that comprises a plurality of tubular leg members that are interconnected by a clip element that does not require the use of any external fastening members. The tubular leg members have a generally arcuate configuration and formed intermediate the ends of each of the leg members is a slot that receives a lug formed on the clip element. The lugs as joined to the clip element interlock the leg members together and cooperate with an upper frame that is joined to the uppermost ends of the leg members to secure the leg members in a fixed position.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a table construction that includes a plurality of leg members that are joined together by a clip element that does not require any fastening elements.

Another object of the invention is to provide-a table construction that includes a plurality of curved leg members having slots formed therein, a clip element being received in the slots for interlocking the leg members together.

Still another object is to provide a table construction having a plurality of leg members that are interconnected by spaced clip elements, the clip elements including lugs that are showing the leg members secured together by both the clip elements illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIG. I, the table construction embodied in the present invention is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10. As shown, the table construction 10 includes a plurality of curved leg members, each of which is generally indicated at 12, the leg members 12 preferably being formed of a tubular metallic material. Although it is understood that the preferred materials from which the leg members 12 are fomted is metal or the like, it is contemplated that other materials such as wood or plastic may be utilized in the fabrication of the leg members.

As further illustrated in FIG. 1, a frame generally indicated at 14 is joined to the uppermost ends of each of the leg members 12 and in the preferred form of the invention cooperates with a clip member generally indicated at 16 to secure the leg members 12 together. As will hereinafter be described, the clip element 16 interlocks the leg members 12 at the intermediate ends thereof, although a second clip element may also be employed if additional stability for the table is required.

Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, one of the leg members 12 is illustrated and as shown comprises a tubular construction that is generally square-shaped in cross section and that is subv stantially arcuate in the longitudinal direction thereof. The upreceived within s'lots as formed in the leg members, and the v clip elements further cooperating to firmly locate the leg members in a vertical position.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplate for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the table construction embodied in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top frame that is secured to the uppermost ends of the leg members of the table construction;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of one of the leg members of the table construction;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the leg member illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a clip element that joins the leg members of the table construction together;

FIG. 6 is an elevational view of the clip element illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a second clip element that is embodied in a modified form of the invention for securing the leg members of the table construction together.

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the clip element illustrated in FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view with parts shown in section of the leg members as joined together by the clip element illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6; and

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view with parts shown in section of the modified form of the invention perrnost end of each leg member 12 is cut off or faced to form a horizontal upper end portion 18 for receiving a corner of the frame 14 as will be described; while the bottommost end of each leg member 12 is also cut off or faced to form a foot portion 20 on which the leg member is supported. Formed in the wall that defines the concave surface of each leg member 12 and intermediate the ends thereof is a slot 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot 22 extends substantially across the width of the wall in which it is formed and communicates with the interior of the tubular construction of its leg member.

As previously described, the clip element 16 is designed to interlock the leg members 12 at the intermediate ends thereof, and in this connection, the clip element 16 is joined to the leg members without the requirements of any external fastening elements such as rivets, screws or bolts. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 the clip element 16 is shown including a platelike body portion 24 which in top plan view has a configuration generally corresponding to that of a Maltese cross, and includes opposed projections 26. Located between the projections 26 and extending upwardly in inclined relation are lugs 28 which are formed with enlarged outer head portions. As will be described the lugs 28 are dimensioned for being received within the slots 22 of the legs 12, the inclination of the lugs serving to lock them within the slots.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9, the curved configuration of the leg members 12 locates the intermediate portions thereof in close proximity for receiving the clip element 16 in engagement therewith. Referring again to FIG. 9, the clip element 16 is illustrated in the interlocked position with respect to the leg members 12, and as shown, the lugs 28 of the clip element 16 have been inserted within the slots 22 of the leg members and project upwardly in the tubular portion thereof so as to firmly interlock the clip 16 element in place. It is understood that when the clip element 16 is inserted into the slots 22 formed in the leg members 12, the body portion 24 of the clip element is canted as each lug 28 is threaded into the appropriate slot 22. As each lug 28 is received in its slot 22 of a leg member, the clip element is pivoted to locate the lug in a fully inserted position. It is understood that proper manipulation of the clip element 16 and leg members 12 will then provide for insertion of the lugs 28 in the position illustrated in FIG. 9.

After the clip element has been inserted in place. with the lugs located within the slots 22 of the leg members 12. the frame 14 is then secured to the uppermost ends of the leg members to complete the assembly of the table construction. As shown in FIG. 2, the frame 14 includes peripheral frame members 30 that are joined together in a single-piece construction to define a square or rectangular configuration as required. Located in each of the corners of the frame 14 are brackets 32 that are preassembled to adjoining frame members 30 in any suitable manner. Formed in each of the brackets 32 is a hole 34 that is adapted to be aligned with a hole as formed in the uppermost end portion 18 of each of the tubular members 12. The frame 14 is then locked in place to the uppermost end portions 18 of the leg members 12 by inserting a fastening element such as a screw or rivet through the holes 34 as formed in the brackets 32 and then through the preformed opening as formed in the upper end portions of the leg members 12. Any suitable panel 33 formed of glass, wood, metal or plastic maybe placed within the frame members 32 to provide the upper surface for the table construction. The panel may be secured in place or may be removably mounted within the frame 14 as required.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, and 10, a modified form of the invention is illustrated, and includes a second clip element generally indicated at 34 that cooperates with the clip element 16 to lock the leg members 12 in place. The clip element 34 includes a platelike body portion 35 which also has formed thereon opposed projections indicated at 38. Formed between the projections 38 are lugs 40 which include an enlarged head portion that is received in suitable slots formed in the leg members 12. In contrast to the construction of the clip 16,. the lugs 40 are formed in coplanar relation with respect to the body portion 36 and projections 38 of the clip element 34.

When the clip elements 16 and 34 are both utilized to secure the leg members 12 together, the leg members are formed with slots 42 and 44 that are somewhat spaced from the midpoint of the leg members so as to provide for spacing of the clip elements 16 and 34. The clip element 16 is first interlocked to the leg members 12 in the manner as described above, the lugs 28 being received within the slots 42 as fomled in the leg members. With the clip element 16 located in position, the clip element 34, is then locked in place by inserting the lugs 40 within the slots 44 as formed in the leg members. After the clip elements 16 and 34 are located in position as described above, and without the use of any fastening means for mounting them in place, the frame 14 is then fixed to the upper end portions of the leg members 12 as hereinabove described.

It is seen that the assembly of the table construction is simplc to effect and the use of the clip elements 16 and 34, regardless of the form of the invention employed, avoids the use of external fasteners or bolts therewith. Since the assembly of the leg members can be effected quite rapidly, the frame 14 is thereafter easily mounted in position at the uppermost end portions of the leg members 12 to firmly lock the table construction in the position of use. The curved configuration of the leg members not only'enables the leg members 12 to be easily locked in place by the clip elements, but also provide a pleasing and ornamental appearance for the finished table construction.

lclaim:

l. A table construction comprising a plurality of tubular leg members, each of said leg members having slots formed in a wall in spaced vertical relation, a first clip element having a plurality of outwardly extending lugs formed thereon, each of said lugs of said first clip element being removably received in one of the slots in a leg member, a-second clip member having a plurality of lugs formed thereon, each of the lugs on said second clip element being removably received in the other slot in a leg member, wherein said clip elements are fixed between said leg members in spaced apart vertical relation, each of said clip elements including a platelike body portion that is imperforate, said clip elements being disconnected from each other and being connected only to said leg members through the slots therein, and cooperating together to lock said leg members in a fixed position, and a frame joined to the uppermost ends of said leg members and defining the top of the table construction.

2. A table construction as set forth in claim 1, said second clip element being located above said first clip element in spaced vertical relation and including projections located between the lugs thereof, the lugs and projections as formed on said second clip element being disposed in coplanar relation with respect to the body portions thereof, a portion of the projections on said second clip element being received in the slots in which the second clip element lugs are received, and the lugs as formed on said first clip element being inclined with respect to the body portion thereof, and projections formed between the lugs on said first clip element and being disposed in coplanar relation to the body portion thereof, a portion of said projections on said first clip element being received in the slots that receive the lugs of said first clip element. 

1. A table construction comprising a plurality of tUbular leg members, each of said leg members having slots formed in a wall in spaced vertical relation, a first clip element having a plurality of outwardly extending lugs formed thereon, each of said lugs of said first clip element being removably received in one of the slots in a leg member, a second clip member having a plurality of lugs formed thereon, each of the lugs on said second clip element being removably received in the other slot in a leg member, wherein said clip elements are fixed between said leg members in spaced apart vertical relation, each of said clip elements including a platelike body portion that is imperforate, said clip elements being disconnected from each other and being connected only to said leg members through the slots therein, and cooperating together to lock said leg members in a fixed position, and a frame joined to the uppermost ends of said leg members and defining the top of the table construction.
 2. A table construction as set forth in claim 1, said second clip element being located above said first clip element in spaced vertical relation and including projections located between the lugs thereof, the lugs and projections as formed on said second clip element being disposed in coplanar relation with respect to the body portions thereof, a portion of the projections on said second clip element being received in the slots in which the second clip element lugs are received, and the lugs as formed on said first clip element being inclined with respect to the body portion thereof, and projections formed between the lugs on said first clip element and being disposed in coplanar relation to the body portion thereof, a portion of said projections on said first clip element being received in the slots that receive the lugs of said first clip element. 